HORSHAM’S Jill Cooper has drawn blood for the last time.
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The Horsham Blood Donor Centre manager finished on Thursday, after two decades of service with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Mrs Cooper has been at the centre since it opened 10 years ago.
She said the biggest change had been the introduction of plasma donations.
“That has been a really big achievement for the small centre,’’ she said.
Plasma donations started in January last year.
About 1500 people donate blood and plasma at the centre.
Mrs Cooper said she would miss the people most.
“I’ll miss the donors – we’ve had some wonderful, wonderful donors,’’ she said.
She also credited the centre’s staff, along with the team in Melbourne, for an enjoyable 20 years.
“It’s been wonderful to come to work,’’ she said.
“Everyone comes in with that enthusiasm and professionalism and passion.
“I’ll miss everybody.’’
State Donor Services manager Maureen Bower congratulated Mrs Cooper on her service.
She said Mrs Cooper had been important to the blood service.
“Jill and Horsham – it’s almost impossible to say one without the other,’’ she said.
“It’s probably been very fortunate that Jill’s been able to stay as long as she has.
“She really will be missed.’’
Mrs Cooper said she would take a well-earned break, travelling to the United Kingdom and Europe with her husband.
“I’m really looking forward to embarking on the next stage of my career,’’ she said.
“I’m not sure what that’s going to entail, however the first thing I plan on doing, and what I’m looking forward to the most, is spending plenty of time with my adorable grandchildren and also indulging in some travel.’’
Her resignation, along with several others, will lead the centre to temporarily close for about six to eight weeks.